One of the great things about kids, especially in a place where you're a visitor, is that they're not fussed about social etiquette or skirting around personal topics they want to know about. It was straight on to the hard-hitting questions from these new curious friends who made sure they got the low-down on the foreign couple at their relative's wedding!
Over the course of the wedding week, they delighted in all that a large and elaborate wedding of an only daughter can bring, unlimited krupuk (prawn crackers) and sweets, wearing fancy new clothes and staying up late, and getting to run around what was the most spectacular indoor garden reception we will likely ever see! All while keeping an eye on where we were and what we were doing, and making sure I got my make-up done in a “pretty” way. Because clearly it hadn't been done right the first time!
I love the brutal honesty of children. Never underestimate your ability to learn from them. If you're ever not sure what you should be doing in someone else's culture, head straight for the kids, they'll tell you where it's at! And give you some advice on a few other things while they're at it. ;)
Makassar, Indonesia. June 2013.
Oliver says
June 28, 2014 at 4:04 amFor whatever reason I can only see the image in Feedly, love it! And so the entire post, especially the last paragraph. It’s such a wonderful ode to all the little teachers out there… :)
Jessica Korteman says
June 29, 2014 at 3:42 amThanks for letting me know about the image, Oliver. Actually I’m having trouble seeing it on my computer too. Although on Hai’s tablet it’s fine. I’ll keep a close eye on it. Hopefully the issue is only temporary but please let me know if the problem persists for you and I’ll try to rectify it as soon as possible. :)
They certainly are little teachers. I always used to say that I learnt more from my young Japanese students than they did from me! :)
Oliver says
June 30, 2014 at 4:05 pmSeems to be working fine now Jessica and good to see the image a bit bigger now. Lovely composition by the way! I really like how the ladies form the front row and how the two gentlemen in the background observe the situation… :)
I also had to laugh out loud when I read your teacher/student observation. I think learning must be reciprocal indeed… :)